United v Hull: Preview

22 January 2010 12:36

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MANCHESTER United defender Jonny Evans hailed Edwin van der Sar ahead of the clash with Hull, claiming the Dutchman makes a "great difference" to the Reds. The veteran goalkeeper was sidelined first through injury and then after his wife suffered a serious illness. He has returned from leave and could face the Tigers in the Barclays Premier League at Old Trafford. Van der Sar played in the Carling Cup semi-final first-leg defeat by Manchester City in midweek after making his comeback in the victory against Burnley last weekend. Evans said: Edwin makes a great difference. He is a great communicator and has real composure. You can pass the ball back to him and you know he can play it out with either foot. It makes life a lot easier. At 39 he has the experience that the other goalkeepers don't have. Keepers don't get into their prime until their 30s. He is probably playing the best football of his life. He is a really good professional and a very nice man. Evans has backed United to bounce back from the midweek setback and added: I think we can discover our best form. We have always been ones for finishing the season strongly. We have the ability and experience to do it again. Any manager would tell you it is nice to have a settled back four. You get a good understanding between each other. This season has taken us by surprise a little bit. Maybe we have struggled a little bit but we know we can improve.[LNB] Rio Ferdinand will make his long-awaited return in the game. The England defender has been missing for three months with a back complaint but is expected to partner Evans in central defence as United look for the victory that would allow them to claim top spot in the Premier League. Dimitar Berbatov has shaken off a dead leg and should also return. Hull City's new loan signing Amr Zaki will not be available due to a lack of match fitness. However defender Kamil Zayatte is expected to be despite an ankle injury. The problem requires minor surgery but that is likely to take place next month. Jimmy Bullard (knee) is likely to be out until the end of the month.[LNB] Manchester United (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Neville, Rafael, Ferdinand, Brown, Evans, Evra, Fabio, Valencia, Park, Fletcher, Carrick, Scholes, Anderson, Gibson, Giggs, Obertan, Rooney, Berbatov, Owen, Welbeck, Diouf. Hull City (from): Myhill, Mendy, McShane, Mouyokolo, Gardner, Zayatte, Dawson, Kilbane, Garcia, Marney, Barmby, Geovanni, Boateng, Cairney, Hunt, Ghilas, Altidore, Fagan, Vennegoor of Hesselink, Duke. United league form: LWWDW Hull league form: DLLDD Key opponent: Myhill - goalkeeper had a stunning game last time out to deny Tottenham and is likely to be busy again Prediction: United 2 Hull 0 - The Reds beat Hull comfortably away at the end of December so should be confident Agree with the prediction? Have your say. Click here for all the latest odds from Betfred. [LNB]